The Age of Innocence (Barnes & Noble Classics Series)

by Edith Wharton

[Whitney @ First Impressions Reviews]

In the first half of Edith Wharton's The Age Of Innocence we are introduced to Newland Archer, a lawyer in upper-class New York. Archer seems to have it all, a prestigious job a "perfect" fiance May Welland, he seems to live the ideal New York lifestyle. Then May's cousin Ellen Olenska comes to the city after a scandalous separation from her husband, Count Olenski and has come to New York to start anew. Archer, does everything to protect Madam Olenska, by announcing his wedding engagement early to detract attention away from his cousin-to-be and persuades her not to file for divorce in order to avoid further scandal. Due to this closeness his heart begins to drift in a different direction.

The Age of Innocence is far from Hannah Montana's "Best of Both Worlds" You cannot have your cake and eat it too. May comes with the in-crowd and a picket fence, Ellen's past carries too much baggage to ever be accepted in society her kind-hearted character being overlooked. Convention or Passion? The forbidden apple so to speak. Personally, I like to think Archer is just getting cold feet and wants to elope in hopes of putting a stop to temptation. Although at the end of part one, a strong connection is made between the unlikely couple and the reader to believe that there could be a deep affection there and is not just one sided on Newland's part.

In the second book, Ellen and Newland struggle with their feelings for one another. Ellen is all too aware that what they are doing is wrong and tries to keep her distance, reminding Newland that he was the one who convinced her not to file for divorce. Archer on the other hand, try as he might cannot keep his thoughts away from Madame Olenska and seeks her out with an excuse to his lovely wife May at the first opportunity. I really wanted to slap Newland on the head, not that Ellen was a horrible person by any means but Archer did have a good thing going with his wife May and I think it's just morally wrong.

The ending, is by far my favorite, May finally grows a backbone and outsmarts the love couple, almost stooping down to her husband's level of conniving, putting the whole thing in perspective. I've always felt the conclusion is more like an epilogue and I think has a love it or hate it air to it. I personally enjoy it as even though Archer is faced with a golden opportunity regarding Ellen, he chooses to take the high road and shows a sweet candor that the reader had not yet seen. The Age of Innocence was a darling of a book to read, Edith Wharton is such an eloquent author, the climb to the climax is a journey all it's own and is most rewarding.